Years before comedian, actor, and producer Nic Novicki was touring with comedian Nate Bargatze like he is now, he launched the Disability Film Challenge in 2013 in response to the under-representation of talent with disabilities both in front of and behind the camera. Novicki created the challenge to give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and provide them with meaningful exposure. In 2017, Novicki joined forced with Easterseals to expand the event, now known as the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.
On October 12, Novicki will be in Indianapolis for the screening of the finalists in the Film Challenge as a part of the Heartland Film Festival. He says he’s excited to be back in Indianapolis for the event.
“Every year it is such an honor to screen our finalist films at such a prestigious film festival alongside films that will end up being in the running for Oscars and Golden Globes consideration,” Novicki says. “This exposure helps provide opportunities for our Film Challenge participants and that has always been the mission and the reason I created the Disability Film Challenge.”
Novicki has an impressive resume, including several tours through Armed Forces Entertainment and performing for troops. His television credits include: Boardwalk Empire, The Good Doctor, Bad Thoughts, The Sopranos, Loudermilk, Alone Together, Gotham Comedy Live, Jack and Triumph, The Neighbors, Austin and Alley, Private Practice, and Drop Dead Diva. He has appeared in several movies including: Spiderman Across The Spider-Verse, L!fe Happens, Marry Me, November Rule, The Last 5 Years, Boston Girls, Breaking Wind, Dead Ant and the upcoming Hipsters, Gangsters, Aliens and Geeks. He is a board member of Easterseals Southern California.
The public is encouraged to attend the screening of the short films, which are anywhere from one to five minutes each. Films were created over a six-day period in April, and the cast and crew must be made up of volunteers. At least one cast or crew member should have a physical or cognitive disability. Each year has a different genre that the films must fall into, with this year’s being thriller and suspense.
Check out this year’s films at the Heartland Film Festival on October 12 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Tickets are free, but space is limited. Reserve your seat here.
